The GED (General Educational Development) exam is your pathway to a high school equivalency credential that can open doors to college enrollment, career advancement, and personal achievement. With the right preparation strategy, you can pass all four GED subject tests and earn your diploma — regardless of how long ago you left school.
2026 Update: The GED exam is administered by GED Testing Service and features four separate test subjects. You can take them one at a time and pass each independently. The minimum passing score is 145 per subject, with College Ready being 165+ and College Ready + Credit being 175+.
GED Exam Overview
The GED consists of four individual subject tests, each of which can be taken and passed separately:
| Subject | Time | Min. Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematical Reasoning | 115 min | 145 |
| Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA) | 150 min | 145 |
| Science | 90 min | 145 |
| Social Studies | 70 min | 145 |
Scores range from 100–200. A score of 145–164 earns your GED credential, 165–174 is "College Ready," and 175+ earns "College Ready + Credit" (college credit at participating schools).
Mathematical Reasoning Study Guide
The Mathematical Reasoning test is divided into two parts: Part 1 (5 questions, no calculator) and Part 2 (about 41 questions, TI-30XS calculator allowed). You'll be tested on both quantitative problem-solving and algebraic reasoning.
Key Math Topics
- Basic Operations: Whole numbers, integers, fractions, decimals, order of operations (PEMDAS)
- Ratios and Proportions: Unit rates, scale problems, percentage calculations
- Algebra: Linear equations and inequalities, systems of equations, factoring, quadratic equations
- Functions: Evaluating and graphing linear and quadratic functions, domain and range
- Geometry: Area, perimeter, volume, surface area of 2D and 3D shapes; Pythagorean theorem; coordinate geometry
- Statistics and Data: Mean, median, mode, range; interpreting graphs, charts, and tables; basic probability
Math Study Tips
- Learn to use the TI-30XS calculator effectively — it's the only calculator allowed.
- Practice algebraic word problems daily — they're the most common question type.
- Memorize key geometry formulas (area of a circle, volume of a cylinder, etc.).
- Use Khan Academy's GED math prep section — it's free and well-organized.
- Do at least 20 practice problems every day, 6 weeks before your exam.
Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA)
The RLA test is 150 minutes and includes reading comprehension, extended writing (the Extended Response essay), and language/grammar questions. It is the longest and most writing-intensive GED test.
Extended Response Essay
You have 45 minutes to write an analytical essay in response to two provided texts. You must use evidence from the passages to support your argument. The essay is scored on three dimensions: Analysis of Arguments, Development of Ideas, and Clarity/Conventions.
RLA Study Strategies
- Practice writing analytical essays with a clear thesis and evidence from text.
- Review grammar rules: comma usage, subject-verb agreement, pronoun reference, and sentence structure.
- Read editorials and opinion pieces to practice identifying argument structure and evidence.
- Practice identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author's purpose in passages.
- Study texts from the 1800s, including U.S. founding documents (these appear on the test).
Science Test Preparation
The Science test covers Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth and Space Science. It emphasizes using science practices — applying reasoning to interpret data, experimental results, and science texts.
Science Topics to Study
- Life Science (40%): Cell biology, genetics, ecosystems, evolution, human body systems
- Physical Science (40%): Energy, force, motion, chemical reactions, atomic structure, electricity
- Earth and Space Science (20%): Plate tectonics, rock cycle, weather patterns, solar system, climate change
Science Preparation Tips
- Focus on reading and interpreting graphs and data tables — these appear frequently.
- Don't memorize facts in isolation — understand concepts and how they connect.
- Practice the scientific method: forming hypotheses, identifying variables, drawing conclusions.
- Use CK-12 (free) for science content review with diagrams and summaries.
Social Studies Test Preparation
The Social Studies test covers U.S. History, Civics & Government, Economics, and Geography. At 70 minutes, it's the shortest test, but the content scope is very broad.
Social Studies Topics
- U.S. History (20%): Colonial era through modern times, wars, civil rights movement
- Civics & Government (50%): The Constitution, branches of government, voting, civil liberties
- Economics (15%): Supply and demand, GDP, inflation, fiscal and monetary policy
- Geography (15%): Regions, population distribution, human-environment interaction
8-Week GED Study Plan
- Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic test + review all four subject outlines. Identify your weakest subject.
- Weeks 3–4: Deep study of Math and RLA (2 hours per subject per day).
- Weeks 5–6: Deep study of Science and Social Studies. Write 3 Extended Response essays.
- Week 7: Full-length practice test for each subject under timed conditions.
- Week 8: Review wrong answers, final polish, and light review before exam day.
Need Help Passing the GED? 📚
Our GED experts can help you prepare for all four subjects and pass on your first attempt. Get personalized tutoring and practice materials.
Top GED Test-Taking Tips
- You don't need to answer every question correctly to pass — focus on maximizing points.
- For reading and science passages, answer questions using ONLY information in the passage.
- Flag and skip difficult questions; come back to them after answering easier ones.
- For the math test, use the calculator to check arithmetic even when doing simpler problems.
- For the Extended Response essay, spend 5 minutes outlining before writing — it improves your score significantly.